Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLAs have shown support for the hospitality industry at a Stormont event.

The event, designed to mark Tourism & Hospitality Week, highlighted the industry's vital role in the local economy and skills development in the region.

MLAs Deborah Erskine and Diana Armstrong attended the event, where they heard from key figures including Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, and Stephen Magorian, chair of Hospitality Ulster.

They stressed the industry's significant contribution to the local economy, accounting for 72,000 jobs and generating £2 billion annually for the Northern Ireland economy.

(Left to right)  Colin Neill , Debroah Erskne MLA and Michael Cadden(Image: Supplied) Mr Neill said: "Our message in meeting with MLAs today was simple: Hospitality Matters.

"We wanted to showcase the importance of the industry to the local economy, as well as point out how we have been delivering upon the Executive’s skills development and growth plans.

"We feel as if, despite all this hard work, the industry still isn’t operating at its full potential."

He urged for reforms, such as business rate changes and a VAT reduction for hospitality and tourism, to help the industry reach its potential.

Several initiatives aimed at improving employee wellbeing and skills development, such as The Wellbeing Promise, were also discussed.

These initiatives aim to provide career development opportunities and support for underrepresented groups.